At the Canarian carnivals, women who break beauty stereotypes will become queens for the first time.

In 2026, the world-famous carnivals in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will do something special. For the first time, the beauty contests where the Carnival Queen is chosen will feature girls who do not fit conventional notions of beauty. This has been made possible thanks to the support of Dormitorum, DIARIO DE AVISOS, and Atlántico Televisión, companies that want to see more equality in society, respect for different people, and for everyone to feel seen.

In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Cesi Wallace, a popular blogger and activist, 40 years old, will compete for the crown. She is known for defending the rights of plus-size people. Cesi is not afraid to speak the truth on social media, where she has tens of thousands of followers. She wants all women to love their bodies as they are and not pay attention to outdated prejudices about curvy women.

Cesi's participation in the competition is not just a step forward for women. It is a clear signal: beauty is not just what is shown on television. Beauty is everything around us. Thanks to Cesi, thousands of women who have never seen themselves on the big stage will feel seen.

And in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Sara Lomore, who creates interesting content online, will perform at the competition. She has openly talked about her gender reassignment. Now, Sara is a happy woman supported by many people. She has become an example for many, as she knows how to joke, think creatively, and actively express her position on social media.

According to Alexis Amaya, founder of Dormitorum, Sara's participation in the carnival is not just a symbol. "It is a recognition of people who have fought for years to be accepted for who they are and treated with respect," he says. This year, the Carnival Queen in Las Palmas will mean even more than usual: "Everyone has the right to be themselves and be proud of it."

Dormitorum, DIARIO DE AVISOS, and Atlántico Televisión are not just supporting this initiative financially. They have entered into an agreement to continue supporting diversity in various projects, not just at the carnival.

Alexis Amaya and Lucas Fernández, president of Grupo Plató del Atlántico, said that their decision is a clear support for equality. "Carnival is a place where freedom reigns, and we want this freedom to also mean respect for everyone," they say.

Thanks to these companies, the beauty contests at the carnival will become an example for the whole world. The Canary Islands, which show their carnival to millions of people every year, will make it clear that they are open, modern, and progressive.

To make this project a reality, Dormitorum, DIARIO DE AVISOS, and Atlántico Televisión have entrusted it to the best carnival costume designers. Sedomir Rodríguez, who has won many competitions, will create a costume for Cesi Wallace at the competition in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. And in Las Palmas, the Masbe Creaciones team, consisting of Manuel Encinoso and Begoña Pérez, will surprise everyone with a design for Sara Lomore.

Carnival is not just fun, music, and costumes. It is also a reflection of society and a way to change culture. The participation of girls like Cesi and Sara shows that times are changing and that traditions become richer when new voices and stories join them.

Carnival has always been a place to express yourself and challenge the rules. Today, this spirit is manifested in the participation of girls who fight for equality and show that all people are different but equally valuable.

The beauty contests at the 2026 carnival will be remembered not only for the beautiful costumes, the talent of the designers, or the emotions of the audience. They will be remembered as the first contests where diversity has become something ordinary and normal.

This year, the main thing will not only be who gets the crown, but also the diversity itself, which will be represented at the carnivals of Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

Diversity will put on festive attire, take to the stage, and remind everyone that carnival is first and foremost a celebration of freedom.